Apparatus for treatment of yarns and web-like material

ABSTRACT

A machine for full width treatment of textile material wound onto a perforated beam wherein a chamber is mounted on a frame with supports extending into the chamber for receiving the beam from a transport device, the beam being supported at both ends during rotation for treatment, one support holding the beam during transfer from the transfer device.

United States Patent [191 Sick [ 5] July 30, -1974 APPARATUS FORTREATMENT OF YARNS AND WEB-LIKE MATERIAL [75] Inventor: Uwe Sick,Wattwil, Switzerland [73] Assignee: Heberlein & Co. AG, Wattwil,Switzerland 22 Filed: Mar.21,1972

211 App]. No.: 236,720

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Mar. 25, 1971 Switzerland 4399/71June 17, 1971 Switzerland 8849/71 [52] US. Cl 68/8, 68/150, 68/210,294/67 AA [51] Int. Cl. BOSC 8/02 [58] Field Of Search 68/8, 150, 189,198, 210; j 294/67 AA [56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS2,792,702 5/1957 Newcomb ct al 68/189 2,872,802 2/1959 Bellmann 68/1503,357,212 12/1967 Schiffer 68/8 3,596,481 8/1971 Wilcox 68/150 PrimaryExaminerHarvey C. Hornsby Assistant Examiner-Philip R. Coe

Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto [5 7]ABSTRACT A machine for full width treatment of textile material woundonto a perforated beam wherein a chamber is mounted on a frame withsupports extending into the chamber for receiving the beam from atransport device, the beam being supported at both ends during rotationfor treatment, one support holding the beam during transfer from thetransfer device.

11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEB Jul-301974 SHEEF 2 OF 4 APPARATUSFOR TREATMENT OF YARNS AND WEB-LIKE MATERIAL The present inventionrelates to a machine for treatment of textile material, and moreparticularly to fullwidth treatment of yarns or web-like material woundonto perforated beams for liquid or gas contact. The material issubjected to the process under rotation in a treatment chamber, andpatents of interest in this field include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,233,437;3,413,080 and 3,357,212.

Known machines of this type have employed a support and transport devicefor the beams, which device is inserted into the treatment chambertogether with the beam and on which the beam remains during treatment.

The disadvantages of the above type of apparatus primarily reside in thecomplicated and expensive construction of the chamber which must beequipped with large hingeable doors for inserting the transport device,as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,212, and in the complicated construction ofthe transport device, most parts of which are exposed to the atmosphereof the chamber and so must be inert to it; and in the fact that suchchambers with unavoidably large hingeable doors, which may divide thechamber longitudinally into two chamber sections pivotally connected toone another, cannot easily be made tight for higher pressures so thatthe known principles of high pressure and vacuum treatment cannot beused on this type of apparatus.

Furthermore, it is also known to insert the beam into the treatmentchamber by means of a transport car while it is supported, in thechamber, by rails provided on the walls of the chamber. A disadvantageof this arrangement resides particularly in the complicated constructionof the chamber necessary to assure stability thereof since itmustsupport the whole weight of the beam. Furthermore, the beam cannotbe fixed on the supports, but only lies on the rails so' that onlyrelatively low speeds of revolution can be used in the operation of suchequipment.

it is a purpose of the present invention to avoid these disadvantagesand to create a machine for full-width treatment which, while callingfor far less complicated constructions, as a whole, may be used for highpressure solvent or vacuum treatments, for example.

Thus, according to the present invention, this problem is primarilyresolved by providing a self-supporting machine frame on which thechamber has been fixed; and, on the frame, two supports extending fromthe exterior into the chamber for receiving the beam from the holder.The beam is supported at both ends for rotation during treatment, andthe drive is arranged in rigid connection with the frame and engageswith the beam over at least one bearing.

By the use of a machine frame supporting the chamber and the beam, theadvantageous construction of essentially lighter chambers of more simpleconstruction is made possible. Furthermore, the chambers may beexchanged as desired for special processes provided that, as mentionedabove, the connection between the chamber and machine frame can bedetached accordingly.

The insertion of the beam into the chamber is'essentially simplified,according to the present invention, if the holder is only engaged with abearing on one side of the transport device. It is particularlyadvantageous if, for insertion of the beam into the chamber, one bearingof the machine frame and at least part of the chamber wall associatedtherewith can be pivoted or hinged away so that rapid and safe insertioncan be assured by a support such as a second bearing on the machineframe for maintaining the beam during the period after insertion andwhile the transport device is detached and before the first bearing ishinged back to engage and help to support the beam.

A further reduction of the equipment necessary for fabric treatment canbe obtained if the holder is a movable carriage, the chassis of whichextends under the beam and which, on one side, is provided with a baseassociated with a support arm onto which the beam can be stacked, usingone of the bearings, so that windingup of the fabric width to betreated, transporting same to the treatment chamber, and the insertioninto the chamber is possible with one and the same apparatus. It must,however, be pointed out that, contrary to the known carriages movableinto the chamber, after insertion of the beam into the chamber, thecarriage is removed and is therefore again at disposal for the nextwind-up operation, whereby economic use of the factory means is assured.

The insertion is furthermore facilitated by arranging the support armand the bearings on the machine frame at the same level. Additionally,the reach of the machine frame is such that there is sufficient spacebelow the chamber for insertion of the freely projecting beam into theopen chamber, the part of the chassis extending under the end of thebeam being able to pass under the chamber or the frame.

According to the present invention, for the transport of the beam, aspacial crane hook may also be provided, and this may be so suspendedand arranged relatively to the beam that torsional moments are greatlyreduced. It has been found, however, that in most cases, the beams withwound-up material thereon, are not wound exactly regularly, i.e.,exactly symmetrically, so that the point of suspension is thus chargedby different torsional moments, and the horizontal position of the beamis not exactly kept.

These differences, depending on the direction in which they areproduced, cause difiiculties in stacking the beam onto the bearing inthe chamber or upon removal of the crane hook so that disturbances inoperation are to be expected or surveying personnel must be engaged.

Thus, I have devised means to assure, in any case, the automaticconservation of the desired position of the beam suspended from thecrane hook. The problem is primarily resolved by providing, on the cranehook a position sensor for finding out the suspending position of thebeam, and on the crane hook, an equilibrating weight movable by means ofa motor is provided, so that the position sensor is coupled with themotor .for activating the same and proportionally displacing theequilibrating weight if the crane hook is asymmetrically charged. Themotor may be any driving apparatus, such as an electric motor or apneumatical device.

As position sensor, e.g., a switch which preferably, under the influenceof gravity in certain positions, causes, by activation of the motor, thedisplacement of the equilibrating weight until the desired change ofposition of the beam is reached. Preferably, the sensor is a mercuryswitch of the water level-type, contacts being provided at certainlocations which may be shortcircuited by the mercury.

} There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which thisdisclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designingof other structures for carrying out the several purposes of theinvention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded asincluding such equivalent construction as do not depart from the spiritand scope of the invention.

A specific embodiment of the invention has been chosen for purposes ofillustration and description, and is shown in the accompanying drawings,forming a part of the specification wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the machine for fullwidth treatmentaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the holder with a beam placed thereon;

FIG.3 illustrates a machine and holder during insertion of the beam;

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 1, but with an exchanged treatment chamber;

FIG. 5 shows the machine of FIG. 1 with a crane hook as holder;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a beam suspended on a crane hook; I

FIG. 7 is a mercury sensor switch; and

FIG. 8 is a block schematic of a circuit used for crane hook control.

The machine for full-width treatment contains an approximately U-shapedself-supporting machine frame 1 on which an exchangeable chamber 2 isfixed by securing means 3. Bearings 4, provided on the frame 1, areengaged with the chamber 2 on both sides for receiving the beam 5,whereby the passage through the chamber 2 is made fluid tight. Thejacket surface of the beam 5 is perforated to render possible thetreatment of wound-up material 5a by the feeding of fluid in the beamduring the rotation of both the jacket and beam. The wall 2a of chamber2 can be pivoted or hinged away together with the bearing 4 associatedtherewith (FIGS. 3 and 5) so that the beam 5 can be inserted fortreatment purposes, the driving device 6 rotating the beam 5 via thebearing 4.

FIG. 2 shows the holder, in this case a carriage 8, which, on one'side,supports the beam 5 with the support arm 9 fixed on the base 10.

According to FIG. 3, the frame 1 is of such construction that thechassis 11 can be moved, during insertion of the beam 5, into chamber 2,until the beam 5 is engaged with bearing 4 to the left, as viewed. Inorder to support the beam 5 after detachment and withdrawal of thecarriage 8, a support 12 is provided which, until the wall 2a is closedand the bearing 4 is engaged, receives half the weight of beam 5.

FIG. 4 shows the machine of the present invention with an exchangedchamber which, for insertion of the beam 5 by means of a crane, can behinged upwards.

FIG. 5 shows a holder in the form of a crane hook 13. The crane hook isequipped with a bent support l4 which is fixed on the support arm 9 andthe suspension point of which is arranged above the beam such that thefixation is maintained with a minimum of torsional moments. Thus, by wayof example, when viewed from above, the support 14 may be in alignmentwith the beam, but spaced from it and suspended approximately above thecenter of the beam.

As stated, the beam is sometimes wound asymmetrically so that when thecrane hook is used, additional means is needed to conserve the desiredposition of the beam. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, a beam 5 with woundupmaterial 5a is suspended on a crane hook 13. The crane hook is thus bentover the beam so that the point of suspension 15 lies vertically throughthe center of gravity of the whole system so that the suspensionnormally is free from torsional moments. For compensating torsionalmoments, which may be caused by unexact formation of the woundupmaterial 5a, an equili brating weight 16 is provided which can behorizontally shifted by motor 17 until the system is in equilibrium.

FIG. 7 shows a mercury switch 18 which essentially consists in afluid-tight enclosure 19 for receiving the mercury filling, 19a and thecontacts 20a, 20b and 21. As long as the switch 18, as shown, ishorizontal, the contacts 20a, 20b are in the zone of an air bubble 22 sothat there is no connection between contact 21 and either contact 20a orcontact 20b.

Any movement of the switch 18 out of the horizontal position will,however, visibly cause a contact whereby,

according to the direction of movement, either contact 20a or contact20b is connected with contact 21.

The switch 18 is directly arranged on the crane hook l3 and makes partof a circuit shown in FIG. 8 between a current source and a motor 17.

In operation, if asymmetrical charging causes slight displacement of thehook l3, e.g., in clockwise direction, whereby the bubble 22 is slightlydisplaced to the left, contact 21 is connected with contact 20b andcurrent fed to the input 17a of motor 17 which is provided for movingthe weight to the left. Since the clip 17c is already connected with thevoltage source (not shown), upon contacting of the switch 18, motor 17is immediately activated and effects shifting of the equilibratingweight 16 to the left on the guide rails 24a, 24b until equilibrium ofthe whole system is restored and, because of return of the switch 18into the horizontal position, the connection between contact 20b and 21is interrupted, whereby motor 17 is deactivated.

It can be seen that the function caused by irregular formation of thewound-up material in opposite direction is identical with the onlydifference that a connection between contacts 21 and 20a (instead of20b) takes place, whereby movement of the weight to the right iseffected by motor 17 by connection with connection 17b so that theequilibrating weight 16 is moved in opposite direction.

I believe that the construction and operation of my novel treatmentapparatus and beam control will be understood and that the advantagesthereof will be fully appreciated by those persons skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A machine of the class described for treatment of a material woundonto a perforated beam which comprises: v

a treatment chamber for receiving said beam;

a self-supporting frame on which said treatment chamber is mounted;

bearing means provided on said frame to extend into said treatmentchamber at opposite ends thereof for rotatable support of said beam;

a movable holder having a horizontal support arm fixed thereon, saidsupport arm being adapted to carry said beam to insert said beam intosaid treatment chamber in such manner so that said beam is engaged withand supported by one of said bearing means; and

a motor drive rigidly supported on said frame and engagable with saidbeam via one of said bearing means to impart rotational movement to saidbeam.

2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein said chamber is removablymounted on said frame and is secured thereto by securing means.

3. Machine according to claim 1 wherein one section of said frame whichcarries one of said bearing means and at least one section of theassociated chamber wall is pivoted whereby said sections may be openedto permit insertion of said beam into said chamber.

4. Machine according to claim 3 wherein said frame includes an auxiliarysupport means adapted to support said beam when said frame and wallsections are pivoted open.

5. Machine according to claim 1 wherein said movable holder comprises acarriage having a chassis extending under said beam; a perpendicularlyextending base and a horizontally disposed support arm mounted to saidbase, said support arm being adapted to extend partially within saidbeam.

9. Machine according to claim 8, in that the crank hook (13) presents ahorizontally extending support arm (9) engageable with the bearing fromone side which is fixed on the ,vertical section of a bent support (14)which, when viewed from top, is in the same line as the beam (5) at acertain distance above the same and is suspended approximately above thecenter of the beam at such a distance from the bearing of the beam thatthe point of suspension is free from torsional moments.

10. Machine according to claim 9, in that sensing means (18) areprovided on said crane hook for determining the position of said beam(5), a shiftable weight (16) is arranged on said hook and motor means iscoupled with said sensing means for proportionally displacing saidweight upon asymmetrical loading of said crane hook to maintain same ina desired position.

11. Machine according to claim 1, in that the chamber (2) presents aclosable opening on the top for inserting the beam (5) by means of acrane.

1. A machine of the class described for treatment of a material woundonto a perforated beam which comprises: a treatment chamber forreceiving said beam; a self-supporting frame on which said treatmentchamber is mounted; bearing means provided on said frame to extend intosaid treatment chamber at opposite ends thereof for rotatable support ofsaid beam; a movable holder having a horizontal support arm fixedthereon, said support arm being adapted to carry said beam to insertsaid beam into said treatment chamber in such manner so that said beamis engaged with and supported by one of said bearing means; and a motordrive rigidly supported on said frame and engagable with said beam viaone of said bearing means to impart rotational movement to said beam. 2.Machine according to claim 1, wherein said chamber is removably mountedon said frame and is secured thereto by securing means.
 3. Machineaccording to claim 1 wherein one section of said frame which carries oneof said bearing means and at least one section of the associated chamberwall is pivoted whereby said sections may be opened to permit insertionof said beam into said chamber.
 4. Machine according to claim 3 whereinsaid frame includes an auxiliary support means adapted to support saidbeam when said frame and wall sections are pivoted open.
 5. Machineaccording to claim 1 wherein said movable holder comprises a carriagehaving a chassis extending under said beam; a perpendicularly extendingbase and a horizontally disposed support arm mounted to said base, saidsupport arm being adapted to extend partially within said beam. 6.Machine according to claim 5 wherein said support arm is mounted to saidbase at the same level as said bearing means.
 7. Machine according toclaim 5 wherein said frame is dimensioned under said chamber to rEceivesaid chassis whereby said chassis can be shifted to adjust said beamduring its insertion into said chamber.
 8. Machine according to claim 1,characterized in that the holder is a crane hook provided with at leastone bearing.
 9. Machine according to claim 8, in that the crank hook(13) presents a horizontally extending support arm (9) engageable withthe bearing from one side which is fixed on the vertical section of abent support (14) which, when viewed from top, is in the same line asthe beam (5) at a certain distance above the same and is suspendedapproximately above the center of the beam at such a distance from thebearing of the beam that the point of suspension is free from torsionalmoments.
 10. Machine according to claim 9, in that sensing means (18)are provided on said crane hook for determining the position of saidbeam (5), a shiftable weight (16) is arranged on said hook and motormeans is coupled with said sensing means for proportionally displacingsaid weight upon asymmetrical loading of said crane hook to maintainsame in a desired position.
 11. Machine according to claim 1, in thatthe chamber (2) presents a closable opening on the top for inserting thebeam (5) by means of a crane.